Oklahoma State University Athletics
Photo by: OSU Athletics
One More Ride: Ramon Richards
August 10, 2017 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State safety Ramon Richards has been a familiar face to Cowboy fans both on and off the field in the past three seasons. Now a senior leader among the defensive backs, 2017 will mark the final chapter of Richards' OSU career.
Richards arrived in Stillwater prior to the 2014 season and was immediately thrust into a starting role after cornerback Ashton Lampkin was injured against Texas Tech in week four. Richards embraced the challenge of being a true freshman starting in the Big 12 and finished his first year as a Cowboy with 42 tackles, three interceptions and four pass breakups.
Among the highlight from Richards' freshman was his 38-yard interception return for a touchdown on the road against Kansas State. What makes the San Antonio, Texas native's success even more notable is that it all came less than one year after he played quarterback in high school.
Richards was recognized by his coaches and teammates at the season's end, as he was the defensive recipient of OSU's Russell Okung Award presented to the team's most outstanding newcomer.
Following up on his successful freshman campaign, Richards competed in 12 games for the Cowboys in 2015 and started the season opener at Central Michigan when Kevin Peterson was out due to injury. Richards added two more interceptions and two more pass breakups as a sophomore.
His 59-yard interception return for a touchdown in the final seconds helped seal Oklahoma State's victory over Texas Tech. It was the longest interception return by a Cowboy in 2015. Richards also logged a key pass breakup in the season opener at Central Michigan.
Richards continued to play a key role for the Cowboys last season, as he was one of the defense's most vocal leaders and a starter in every contest for OSU. He tallied three more interceptions as a junior, with tied for the team lead and ranked seventh in the Big 12.
His interception with less than 30 seconds remaining sealed OSU's 45-38 win over Pittsburgh and he also had a highlight-reel 59-yard interception return against No. 10 West Virginia in which he ran from sideline to sideline to help set up the Cowboys for a nine-yard touchdown drive.
As a junior, Richards also displayed a knack for finding the football as he tallied 64 tackles on the year – the fourth-most among Cowboy defenders. The former high school quarterback also recorded his first career sack in the win over Texas and he added another tackle for loss against Baylor.
Richards continued to be recognized by his coaches and teammates after his junior season when he was one of four Cowboys to receive the 2016 Vernon Grant Award, which is awarded to players that show outstanding leadership, spirit and enthusiasm.
Ramon Richards has morphed into one of the leaders of the Cowboy defense heading into the 2017 season. He is also one of the team's most experienced competitors, as his 23 career starts rank second among returning OSU defensive players.
Richards played primarily at cornerback during his first three years after competing as a quarterback in high school. This season, his role is expected to change once again as he will now serve primarily as a safety.
After displaying his versatility three seasons ago, Richards is likely to handle this transition with ease and find continued success on the field as he looks to cap off his successful Oklahoma State career.
Richards arrived in Stillwater prior to the 2014 season and was immediately thrust into a starting role after cornerback Ashton Lampkin was injured against Texas Tech in week four. Richards embraced the challenge of being a true freshman starting in the Big 12 and finished his first year as a Cowboy with 42 tackles, three interceptions and four pass breakups.
Among the highlight from Richards' freshman was his 38-yard interception return for a touchdown on the road against Kansas State. What makes the San Antonio, Texas native's success even more notable is that it all came less than one year after he played quarterback in high school.
Richards was recognized by his coaches and teammates at the season's end, as he was the defensive recipient of OSU's Russell Okung Award presented to the team's most outstanding newcomer.
Following up on his successful freshman campaign, Richards competed in 12 games for the Cowboys in 2015 and started the season opener at Central Michigan when Kevin Peterson was out due to injury. Richards added two more interceptions and two more pass breakups as a sophomore.
His 59-yard interception return for a touchdown in the final seconds helped seal Oklahoma State's victory over Texas Tech. It was the longest interception return by a Cowboy in 2015. Richards also logged a key pass breakup in the season opener at Central Michigan.
Richards continued to play a key role for the Cowboys last season, as he was one of the defense's most vocal leaders and a starter in every contest for OSU. He tallied three more interceptions as a junior, with tied for the team lead and ranked seventh in the Big 12.
His interception with less than 30 seconds remaining sealed OSU's 45-38 win over Pittsburgh and he also had a highlight-reel 59-yard interception return against No. 10 West Virginia in which he ran from sideline to sideline to help set up the Cowboys for a nine-yard touchdown drive.
As a junior, Richards also displayed a knack for finding the football as he tallied 64 tackles on the year – the fourth-most among Cowboy defenders. The former high school quarterback also recorded his first career sack in the win over Texas and he added another tackle for loss against Baylor.
Richards continued to be recognized by his coaches and teammates after his junior season when he was one of four Cowboys to receive the 2016 Vernon Grant Award, which is awarded to players that show outstanding leadership, spirit and enthusiasm.
Ramon Richards has morphed into one of the leaders of the Cowboy defense heading into the 2017 season. He is also one of the team's most experienced competitors, as his 23 career starts rank second among returning OSU defensive players.
Richards played primarily at cornerback during his first three years after competing as a quarterback in high school. This season, his role is expected to change once again as he will now serve primarily as a safety.
After displaying his versatility three seasons ago, Richards is likely to handle this transition with ease and find continued success on the field as he looks to cap off his successful Oklahoma State career.
Players Mentioned
CB
/ Cowboy Football
S
/ Cowboy FootballDoug Meacham Previews Oklahoma State vs. Kansas State - Cowboy Football News Conference (11-10-2025)
Monday, November 10
👶 Baby Harlow TAKES OVER Coach Hoyt's Press Conference! 🤣 #basketball #womensbasketball #ncaawbb
Monday, November 10
Oklahoma State vs. Oral Roberts | Condensed Game Highlights (11-9-2025)
Monday, November 10
"Fight for each other" 😤 Cowgirl Convo with Stailee Heard #womensbasketball #ncaawbb #basketball
Monday, November 10
